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18-Yrs Limit: Nigeria’s Education Minister, Tahir Mamman receives more knocks
Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain and actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has disagreed with the position of the federal government that candidates under 18 years of age will no longer be allowed to sit for secondary school leaving examinations.
Naija News recalls the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, disclosed this on Sunday during a TV interview. He said the Federal Government has instructed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which administers the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) which organises the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to comply with the directive on 18 years age limit for any candidate to be eligible for the two examinations.
Mamman also insisted that the age limit for any candidate to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remained 18 years.
The policy has continued to attract condemnation and criticism from several stakeholders. In his reaction on Thursday, Okonkwo said the government policy which was made public recently by the education minister is unfortunate and undesirable.
He recounted a personal experience of some of the vices he picked up as a teenager when he stayed at home for one year before proceeding to a higher institution of learning.
The actor cum politician also noted that the current educational system in Nigeria makes it possible for students to conclude secondary education by 16 years of age and wondered why such students must be forced to stay at home and what they would be doing until they turn 18.
He cautioned against turning idle hands and minds into the devil’s workshop as a result of such government decisions. Okonkwo, therefore, called for a reversal of the policy.
“Prof Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education’s statement that students must attain the age of 18 years before writing neco and jamb, is unfortunate and undesirable.
“This policy is personal to me because I completed my secondary school education at the age of 15 years plus and made excellent grades. The policy of jamb then was that every student must attain the age of 16 years before writing jamb. I had to voluntarily stay at home for a year to write jamb. The little little vices I picked up in my life as a teenager were when I stayed at home for a year. You can imagine if I had stayed at home for three years.
Children start nursery classes at 2 years and take 3 years to complete them. This makes them start primary one at age 5 and finish at age 10. They get into secondary school at age 10 and finish at age 16 and should be allowed to get into university at age 16. I finished at age 15 because secondary education was for 5 years during our time.
“Keeping children idle for two years is making them susceptible to crimes and other antisocial behaviour as an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.
“The Minister should immediately revert to the 16-year benchmark for entering the university, not 18. It’s unfortunate that our old men in political positions want to entrench gerontocracy in our system and are already trying to enforce it on our children. Must this government get everything wrong?” Okonkwo wrote via his X account.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
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